My Name is Sarah

MY NAME IS SARAH. I am a quilt designer and the sewcial director of Sarah's Sewcial Lounge. I also have a business called Down Right Charming. I sell my quilts mostly on etsy and I make pillowcases to donate to patients in the hospital in memory of my friend Kristen Kirton. I am a young adult living with Down syndrome. I hope you enjoy reading about my life journey.

Monday, August 27, 2012

My Very Special Katie Weekend

I had the greatest surprise this weekend. Do you remember when I was collecting coins in a jar for Katie? We were raising money in the store to help bring Katie home from Russia. Guess what? She came to see us this weekend.

It was so exciting. Her whole family came all the way from Tennessee to meet me.

Look at this. They brought me a shirt. We have a customer who is really going to like it when I wear this because she is from Tennessee too.

At first Katie was a little shy. So I just sat in my chair and waited until she got used to me.

First, she went to Katrina. She really liked her. Katrina is so nice. She is a nurse. We are so lucky she works with us on Saturdays.

I think Katrina really liked Katie too.

And then Katie went to my mom. My momma really liked that. They squeezed and hugged and I could tell my mom really loved Katie. Then she took her over in the corner and put a dress on her. We had been waiting for Katie to arrive to see if it would fit. It was made with fabric from our favorite designer Kate Spain. They share a name.

Katie went over to the mirror to see herself.

She loved the dress.

And she loved looking at herself in the mirror. I don't think they had mirrors in the institution Katie lived in.

She was so cute making faces at herself.

Then we tried another dress on. She loved that one too. It fit perfectly. And then she came and sat in my lap. I melted.

We just sat there for a long time. Katie was drawing.

And I was holding her. And talking to her.

We were having a good time. She liked my dog.

We were talking about her being a smart little girl. She is talking a little bit. And she can follow directions. My mom told me she will learn really quick now that she is with her forever family. I am so happy for her.

Katie and I started becoming friends. I don't think she knows that we both have Down syndrome.

We started playing together. Katie loved drawing with this pencil set.

I wished she lived closer to me. I would play with her all the time.

I could not forget about Katie's brothers, Henry, Jack and David. They were so good waiting for us. So I gave them each a pillowcase I made. They have two dogs at home so we picked ones with dogs on them.

Look at Jack. He is so silly. He put his pillow case on top of his head.

I was so happy that Kim made all the plans to come see us. It was such a treat.

Before they left, Flat Stanley had to pose with me and my sign. He gets to travel the world!!!

On Sunday, I had to get up really early to go to the Apple store. We were signed up for the class. It turned out to be the wrong class. Darn. As we were walking out of the store, I told my mom I missed Katie already. She asked my how I was feeling. I said, "I feel fine mom." She said great. I have an idea.

Next thing I know we are at the Cleveland Zoo. And KATIE IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see us?

It was really hot. So Katie rode in a big stroller and I rode in my transport chair. Today, we were two queenies in our carriages!

But then we would get out to look at the animals. Katie was so excited to see the sealions. They were swimming like crazy.

It has been a really long time since I have been to the zoo. The polar bear is all grown up now. Do you see him lounging under the waterfall?

Ahhh look at this. Katie and her new momma. I love this picture.

This is my new buddy Jack. He is awesome.

Katie took a break to have some water.

She is so sweet.

She is 5 and I am 23. I love her.

Jack and I were sharing popcorn. He made sure to show me everything there was to do.

Ahh look at this. The whole bunch of us. We could all be like cousins.

This is sorta sad. It is time for Katie to go back to the car for a little nap. We have been here all day long so she is really tired.

Jack and David and I went to the rain forest before we left. Jack was so curious about my trach scar. He asked me if I died a little bit before I got it. He is super smart.

I will miss him too. Maybe one day I will be able to go see him at his house. It is by Nashville. Country music. Oh yea, I like country music. Bye Katie. Bye Jack. Bye David. Bye Henry. Bye Flat Stanley. Bye Kim. Bye Mr. Simpson. Thanks for coming. See you later.